Fabulous 50

In last month's post I commented on the report that claimed that women over the age of 50 felt let down by high street retailers. I gave my reasons as to why I think women in this age group struggle to find what they are looking for.  This month I want to share my tips for  for clever dressing and grooming regardless of age!

Body shaping slip by
Marks and Spencer

UNDERWEAR: What you wear underneath makes a big difference. Go for a bra fitting service and invest in some great underwear that will smooth out bulges and help your posture.

Body shaping camisole by Marisota

         COLOUR: Get some colour in your life. Image consultants can help you find the most flattering colours for your skin tone and hair colour. The right colours can bring out the colour of your eyes and make you appear slimmer, taller, fresher and younger.

Outfit from M&Co

Tunic layered under sweater both by Betty Barclay

LAYERING: Learn to layer. A great option for those women who suffer from changes in body temperature. Open collars and lower necklines will also help reduce heat. 

Marks and Spencer

ACCESSORISE: Pay attention to detail. Accessories can make a huge difference. They can upgrade and update an outfit instantly and they are useful for drawing attention to a best feature or deflecting it away from one that's not so good.

Confident curves range by Isme

CUT & FINISH: Choosing the correct size, cut, style, texture and pattern is essential. Complement the line of your body by using similar lines in your clothing. Curvier body lines benefit from a contour in the pattern or drape in the fabric.

Wallis

TRENDS: Buy into fashion if it suits you. If this fur waistcoat ticks all your style boxes then go ahead and buy it but don't buy it just because it's trendy. Buy modern classics that you can pepper with one trend.

Body illusion dress by Isme

         ILLUSION: Use attention diverting tactics to distract or attract the eye to the parts of your  body you least like or like the most. You can also create illusions with colours and lines as seen here in this dress. If you've got great legs go ahead and raise your hemline. Just because you've turned 50 doesn't mean you can't wear short skirts or low tops, just don't do them together. A shorter hemline with opaque tights and flat shoes can look modern and fun. If denim jeans suit you go ahead and style them with a classy tailored jacket. 

          See my blog of March 2014 "Count Your Blessings" 

       

        HAIR & MAKE-UP: Overhaul your make-up. If you are still wearing the same eyeshadow and lipstick from 30 years ago it's time to update the colours and how you apply it. Is your hairstyle working for you? Discuss your haircut and colour with your hairdresser and make sure you have the right style for your face shape, type of hair and lifestyle.

New Look

FURTHER ADVICE: Magazine articles, TV programmes and personal shoppers within retailers can help but to really find out what works for you, consider having a personal consultation with an image consultant.They will advise you on your body shape and proportions and explain which styles and colours work best for you. They can review and edit your existing wardrobe and help you to co-ordinate your outfits. They can also help you shop and will introduce you to labels and retailers to help you refute the idea that women over 50 don't have choice.

All photographs courtesy of www.prshots.com